Hyundai recalls 220,000 Santa FE and Sonata models over airbag issue

Hyundai has issued two separate recalls for the same problem on two different models. The previous generation Santa Fe crossover SUV and the current generation Sonata sedan have independently been cited for airbag problems.

A total of 22,512 Sonata sedan units are being recalled form 2012 and 2013 model years, which includes those built after January 24, 2012. The airbag matter here is with the side air bags, which can deploy at random as a result of a manufacturer defect. The automaker will be replacing these free of charge starting this month.

As for the Santa Fe, the South Korean automaker is recalling 199,118 units produced after April 19, 2006 up to July 7, 2008, impacting owners of 2007-2009 model years. This recall is for the OCS, or the occupant classification system, which may be unable “to accurately detect small statured adults.” The problem was found after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration received several complaints for drivers weighing under 130 lbs. that were involved in crashes where their airbags did not deploy. To correct this, NHTSA is suggesting a software recalibration, but there is no sound fix for the matter yet, as Hyundai still has not provided a recall date for the problem.